Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Latitude 40.53758
Longitude -74.225349

Group Programs

The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.

The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.

Hours of Operation

  • The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976 The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
  • The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.

Fees & Rates

  • Program Fees
  • All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tue 30 Sep
Tot Time
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 04 Oct
Sunrise Hike
Saturday, October 4, 2025 06:30 AM - 08:00 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Celebrate City of Forest Day and hike while the sun comes up! We will hike up to 2 miles. Trails are not stroller friendly. All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 04 Oct
Wildlife Day: Invasive Species Removal
Saturday, October 4, 2025 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Volunteer to help us remove invasive plant species in the park! All tools provided. All ages, best for ages 8+. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sun 05 Oct
CPP Hiking Club
Sunday, October 5, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Get outside and enjoy the beauty of our park during this monthly hiking club! We will hike up to 2 miles. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sun 05 Oct
Clay Pit Ponds, Where it all Began
Sunday, October 5, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
(917) 608-6437

Join author and historian Patricia Salmon from Protectors of Pine Oak Woods for a presentation and short hike to learn the rich history about our park. Adults and teens. To register: Email salmonf@aol.com or Text 917-608-6437.
Registration: Required